Brazil still favors a diplomatic solution to the unfolding trade dispute with the U.S. despite the government's firm political rhetoric, according to some Brazilian experts.
On July 9, the United States unilaterally announced a 50 percent tariff increase on selected Brazilian imports, prompting swift condemnation from Brazil.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva responded by vowing reciprocal measures, labeling the U.S. move as "unacceptable blackmail" and accusing it of spreading misinformation about bilateral trade relations. Lula reiterated Brazil's commitment to multilateralism and peaceful international cooperation, stating "there are no winners in a trade war".
Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs further underscored the government's dissatisfaction, summoning the charge d'affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Brazil twice—on July 9 and 11—to deliver formal protests. On July 15, Lula signed a presidential order authorizing the government to prepare retaliatory measures, including matching tariff increases.
Yet, in an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), economist Manfred Back emphasized Brazil's preference for negotiation over retaliation.
"Frankly speaking, from Brazil's point of view, I believe the country will make every effort to resolve this dispute through negotiations and avoid the need for any retaliatory action against the United States," he said.
Brazilian products such as orange juice, beef, and ethanol stand to be the first to suffer from the new tariffs. U.S. consumers, in turn, may see price jumps on these everyday goods.
The dispute could ultimately harm global trade stability and disrupt the lives of ordinary people in both countries.
The new tariffs, a significant increase from the 10-percent rate imposed by Trump in April, will begin on August 1 if Brazil and the United States do not reach an agreement.
Brazil seeks negotiation amid US tariff dispute, says economist
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
